To Succeed, You Must Be An Independent Thinker

It's easy to follow the herd.  That's why most people do it.  And because most people follow the herd, they get the results that most people get.  And if that is what you aspire to in life, then my best to you.  I don't.  My goal is not to "just be at the same level as everyone else."  My goal is to be more, do more, and give more than most.  My goal is to show people that there is more than what the herd gives them.  To show them that their potential is wildly more than they thought was possible - Because it is!

But, in order to do that; in order to be more, do more, and give more, you have to think independently of the herd.  You have to seek your own wisdom and question the conventions of which everyone else subscribes to.  You have to question your own assumptions and dig deeper into what you believe.  You have to 'think and grow rich," as the title of the books states.

When was the last time you questioned the common logic of the herd?  When was the last time you spoke up and did so, with the knowledge, it might create controversy or go in the face of what others you care about believe?  The reason most people don't think independently for themselves is that it is hard.  It is hard to be different or know you might potentially have disagreements with people - but in order for us to grow and attain new levels in our wisdom, knowledge, and capability - it is necessary.

Let's take a current example of extreme herd mentality happening in our lives right now - the Wuhan Coronavirus.  You will notice that I called it "Wuhan" not Covid -19 or any other name.  Why?  Because that is where it originated and where it is from.  And historically, we name viruses by where they originate.  Examples include The Spanish Flu, Hong Kong Flu, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), Lyme Disease (Lyme, Connecticut) and so  on.  And, in fact the media called it Wuhan for quite some time until China decided they did not like it.  It should be not lost on you that the media outlets make a lot of money from China and access to their market and since they lead political correctness, they flipped over fear of losing money/access because "China was offended."  Now, China knows this game and played them well to get the focus off their mishandling of the virus which has now ravaged the world.  In fact, it is now being stated by governments around the world that the virus did escape the Wuhan disease lab where they studied the virus.

But, none of this is what the herd has been told.  These important facts have been wiped clean and replaced by a new set of talking points spoon fed to the herd because the media know the majority are not going to think independently and go research the facts (even though it takes about 10 minutes).  

Truth is power and knowing the truth can help you to truly understand the picture, small and large, and be able to make better decisions.  But, sadly, to find the truth most of the time in this world, you have to think differently than the herd and seek it out.  Knowing the origin of the Wuhan virus, may not make you more money or change your life at this time, but it will help you better understand the relationships between governments in the future and any potential conflict.  It may also lead you to question what the Chinese Communist government puts out as "fact" in the future.

Now, before you go thinking this is a China bashing article, remember a couple things.  First, I have an adopted daughter from China and have spent a lot of time on the ground in the country considering doing business there (I elected not to).  Second, I have great respect for the Chinese people for their culture and everything they have accomplished over centuries.  Many of the innovations that have led to the lives we lead today have come from Chinese innovation throughout time.  

I do see the sobering reality of what a Communist regime can do and be to it's people and the world and I don't shy away from it.  In order to think independently, you must be willing to face the reality of the world before you.  

Don't follow the herd.  Ask questions.  Seek truth.  Separate emotion from logic.  Think for yourself.  It will lead you to your true potential and capability.